Rafa Soares’ Big Chance: Lucescu’s “Specials” and Activation with AEK

Andrija Zivkovic, doubtful for the derby with AEK, may be a central figure in PAOK’s news, but the case of Rafa Soares is also of particular interest.

Razvan Lucescu’s first thoughts for Sunday’s game (October 30, 7:30 p.m., COSMOTE SPORT 1HD and LIVE in the Sportish match center) are not alchemy to cover up the absence of Causa and Vieirania, but rather using the Portuguese full-back on the left edge of his Defense.

The question is whether the 27-year-old is physically and mentally ready for a game as tough as Sunday’s.

The truth is that Rafa Soares, although he was taken on with the understanding that he will be the player to fill the left-back position at Vieirania – Marios Tsaoussis joined the squad in preparation – is far down in his hierarchy fallen behind coach.

Two factors played a crucial role in his withdrawal. First his injury, which put him out for a long time in preparation. The Portuguese suffered a first degree bruised biceps in the game against Levski Sofias in Toumba (28 July) and was out until 17 August a few days before the league premiere.

The second reason has to do with its characteristics. Soares doesn’t attack a full-back in the way Razvan Lucescu would like. And that despite playing with Guimaraes last year, from whom PAOK took him as a free agent, scoring 2 goals and 8 assists.

Anyhow, and despite overcoming his injury problem for two months, not only has he yet to make his league debut, but he hasn’t even been in the squad for any of the 9 games PAOK has played far.

“Special” by Lucescu

In fact, Lucescu was thinking of activating him earlier, ahead of the derby with Olympiakos, but the footballer shared in a conversation with him that he still feels uncomfortable and isn’t 100% ready.

All this shows that trying to activate it again is not easy. The Romanian coach knows that before finalizing his plans, including Rafa Soares, he needs to give special attention to him and prepare him mentally as well as physically for the double-header derby.

Similar situation in Fulham

What is certain is that the Portuguese has an opportunity to show he can be important for PAOK and he should seize it. However, his advances in tuba to date are largely reminiscent of his presence in Fulham and the Premier League.

Soares was loaned to the London club from Porto in the summer of 2017 but was diagnosed with an ankle injury that kept him out for a long time.

The Portuguese got a couple of games with the Fulham youth team on his return but made only a few appearances as a first-team substitute. Naturally, the Englishman ended his loan in January of the following year.

However, Soares has signed a three-year contract with PAOK until the summer of 2025, but has not been able to establish himself in Razvan Lucescu’s team, at least for the time being. Even after his teammates’ injuries, he now has his chance…